Israel Bank of Israel 1955-60 Group of Archival Specimen and Watermark Proofs. The figurative images series was the first series of banknotes to carry a visible watermark in a designated area on the banknotes, designed as the head of the figurative images that appeared on the notes. One of the most interesting finds is a watermark proof of the 10 pound note, made by the French security printer and papermaker company OfficevFrançais des Papiers F. Douaires et Surfins Paris. Included are: (1) Envelope, with handwritten annotation 2 Plain Notes, with a pair of watermarked blanks, cut down to note size, for, the 5 and 10 Lirot denominations (Pick 30-Pick 32). The outline of the window and the denomination 5 were added by hand to the 5 Lirot blank. (2) 10 Pounds watermark proof on large format paper with a stamp of the French security and papermaker company, Office Francais des Papiers F. Douaires et Surfins Paris. This is the only evidence known to date of any potential involvement by other companies beyond TDLR in the note design and production process for the Bank of Israel during this time period. We believe that the watermark proof papers (and envelope) are Unique and previously unknown. (3) Right half of Pick 33 1960 50 Lirot Specimen note. These items appear as plate illustrations on pages 149, 150, 151, and 172 in the 2022 Dvir catalog. The Raphael Dvir Paper Money of Israel Collection

HID09801242017

© 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

To the auctioneer's website